Count the chains
Near the end of Dots and Boxes, the number of long chains decides who gets them. Learn the idea strong players use to plan ahead. Safe moves and chains · lesson 5 of 5.
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The lesson in words
With the double-cross, the player who is not forced to open the long chains usually wins. That player is said to have control.
Who gets control depends on how many long chains (three boxes or more) there are when the safe lines run out, so strong players count them early and steer the board towards the number they want.
Count the long chains before the safe lines run out.
Questions
When should you start counting chains?
While safe lines are left: that’s when you can still change the number of chains. Once they run out, it’s too late.
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